Homeowners respond to proposed property tax increase

NORTH LIBERTY, Ind. - The St. Joseph County Council will vote on a measure to increase property taxes Tuesday. Some homeowners say they’re okay with it—as long as the money is put to good use.

See ABC 57’s interview with officials.

The tax hike would raise rates from about $0.018 for every $100 of assessed value of one’s home to about $0.03 for every $100.

“It’s not a lot of money, but I guess, you know, is that enough? And, I guess, what’s the purpose of it?” said one North Liberty homeowner, John Murray.

The St. Joseph County Council says they need to replenish funds to cover mounting county capital expenses like buildings and equipment.

If Tuesday’s vote goes through—homeowners could be looking at paying around $7 to $8 more dollars in property taxes in 2018 if the home is valued at around $100,000.

“You know, I don’t see any issues with it. It’s just a few dollars. We need to pay our share to make sure we have road upkeep, new buildings, maintenance. You know, as long as it’s put to good use, I don’t have a problem with it. It’s just about bettering the community, and if can help the community, I’m all for it,” said Murray’s neighbor, Steven Stacy.

The hike will add about $1 million in revenue to the county’s Cumulative Capital Development Fund, which has been steadily shrinking because of state legislation.

“As we’re running short of funds, we have to get it from somewhere one way or another, and if it’s not property taxes, it’ll be something else, and if it stays in the community, I’m all for it,” said Stacy.

Check back in with ABC 57 Tuesday for the council’s decision.